Personal Umbrella Policy: What is it and Do I Need One?

Protecting your family and assets is a top priority, which is why people have insurance. But what happens if you find yourself in a situation where your insurance is not enough? Well, that's when a personal umbrella insurance policy could help cover you.

Understanding Your Personal Umbrella Policy

A personal umbrella policy (PUP) is a type of insurance that provides liability coverage over and above your automobile or homeowner's policy. So, if your liability coverage isn't enough to cover the damages of an accident you cause or an incident on your property, a personal umbrella insurance policy kicks in right where your other liability underlying limits have been reached. An umbrella policy can protect you when your automobile or homeowners insurance isn't enough.

An Umbrella Policy in Action

To better understand how a personal umbrella policy works, here's an example: If you're at fault in a car accident that injures another driver, your regular automobile insurance will cover the other driver up to the limit you selected, say $250,000. But what happens if that limit is not enough to cover the other driver's needs?

If the other driver's injuries are severe, he may require benefits beyond the $250,000 your policy covers. In this case, he could sue you, which means your personal assets would be at stake. This could be a small amount, but imagine if that injured driver were a surgeon or another high paying professional. What if the accident you caused resulted in an injury that kept him from doing his job for six months? Suddenly, he's suing you for $1 million to cover the six months he's away from work.

Your automobile policy covers the initial $250,000, but where would you come up with the remaining $750,000? A personal umbrella policy can cover the additional costs when your insurance isn't enough. The PUP could provide the additional coverage you need so that you don't get stuck trying to pay the remaining balance yourself. This extra policy could protect your bank account, home, and other personal property.

Knowing Your PUP Options

In most cases, personal umbrella policies are available in million dollar increments, from $1 to $5 million. With Allstate, beyond covering your liability costs, a personal umbrella insurance policy could cover attorney costs and lost wages, even if you're out of the country. While PUP coverage is not required, it offers increased protection in the unfortunate incident of an accident.

Get in touch with an Allstate agent today for more information or to get a quote on a personal umbrella policy. If you're already insured with us, you may be eligible for a discount.

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The availability, qualifications and amounts of these coverages and discounts may vary from state to state. In addition, other terms, conditions and exclusions not described above may apply, and total savings may vary depending on the coverages purchased. In some states, we may offer coverages and discounts that are not listed here. For more information regarding your eligibility for certain coverages and savings opportunities, please contact your Allstate agent.